Send me email updates about messages I've received
on the site and the latest news from The CafeMom Team.By signing up, you certify that
you are female and accept the Terms of Service and have read the
Privacy Policy.

Political rhetoric translation

A program has a budget of $500k. They ask for a budget of $600k next year. Congress approves a budget of $550k. Did congress increase spending by $50k or cut the department's budget by $50k? Does your answer change based on which party controls congress? (be honest)

A program has a budgetary shortfall of $1 million. If taxes increased 3% they'd have a million extra, if they did nothing or decreased taxes by 2%, they'd still be $1 million short and would have to cut their budget. If congress refuses to raise taxes, is the tax rate costing us $1 million dollars, or are we simply spending $1 million we don't have. Again, does the party controlling congress change your answer?

i am no CFO but budgetary considerations for one program for an organization that runs many programs are interdependent. e.g. assumptions are made regarding income from certain resources and circumstances may change - at that time priorities and spending need to be re-organized. for example a small church has a budget that includes several salaries, new addition, new programs, etc. and assumes the congregation will contribute a certain amount but they have an unsuccessful campaign, or a storm damages building and equipment beyond insurance limits or there is a huge deductible. what suffers? everything equally, cut a staff member, eliminate a program? there are too many variables to plan for and decisions need to be remade depending on the circumstances and priorities at the time. although certain parties may have different priorities it is not just that simple...

To question 1: I think they gained $50k since most budgets require approval to be increased. No partisanship needed; it's a math question.

To question 2: I think we would be spending money we don't have. The tax rate being left alone would prevent us from having the money in the program. It become partisan when you consider the program, why it exists, if the monies are used properly, yadda yadda yadda.

For the record, I am unaffiliated, left leaning and fiscally moderate.